How to Prepare for the MCAT
Getting a slot in med school can be a challenge, but there’s one important factor you can do to make sure you are chosen: get a high score on the MCAT or the Medical College Admission Test. Every student who aims to be a successful doctor must pass this with flying colors. Here are a few tips to do this.
What You’ll Need:
MCAT prep course
MCAT practice tests and study guides
Study buddy
Review Available Resources
Fortunately, there are numerous study materials that can help you to pass the MCAT. Find software and books that will allow you to improve your verbal reasoning and writing. Reviewing biology and physical science is also a must. Take practice tests and evaluate your performance. Do this a number of times until you see improvement.
Take An MCAT Prep Course
Enrolling in an MCAT prep course is one of the best ways to prepare yourself. Numerous companies today offer these courses aiming to teach students test-taking tactics and review them on substantive topics.
Choose a prep course that has given satisfactory results. Read testimonials, online ratings and reviews, or talk to former students. Pick a format that goes well with your learning style and suits your schedule. You can get either private tutoring, classroom reviews, or an online course. Just remember that enrollment can be costly (reaching thousands of dollars), so make sure you study well and use these courses wisely.
Know The Four MCAT Sections
The MCAT is composed of four sections. Here they are and some tips on how to prepare for them.
Physical Sciences Section
You’ll need some mathematical knowledge for the questions. Study algebraic concepts including data graphs, scientific notation and logarithm. Basic trigonometry (cosine and sine) is also recommended. Statistics, probabilities and vector addition are also important.
Review physics concepts, such as circuits, electrodynamics, magnetism, light and energy.
Study general chemistry. Concepts like the periodic table, acids and bases, electrochemisty, thermodynamics and chemical reactions are a must.
Biological Sciences Section
Review biology. Focus on topics like cellular properties, molecular biology principles, evolution and genetics. Study vertebrate studies, enzymes, viruses, cell division and body systems (muscular, lympathic, nervous).
Review organic chemistry concepts, too, such as sterochemistry, dehydration, hydrolysis, proteins and hydrocarbons. Organic compound nomenclature, classification, structure, retrosynthesis and synthesis, and reaction mechanisms are also important.
Verbal Reasoning Section
This section covers topics including natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Read articles according to these diverse disciplines.
Read scholarly articles, and learn how to draw inferences from them. Know the thesis of writing passages and find out how to analyze and comprehend complex arguments.
Writing Section
Practice writing and typing under timed conditions. During the actual test, you’ll have an hour or two to type two essays.
Essays must show your critical thinking skills by discussing opposing views on a certain topic and situating alternate views in a bigger context. What evaluators will look for is your ability to write a thesis, maintain focus, present clear arguments, synthesize ideas, and follow English language conventions.
Learn how to outline thoughts before writing. This helps organize your thoughts.
Find A Study Buddy
Experts recommend that you don’t study alone. Find a study buddy who will help you as you prepare for the test. You can schedule study sessions everyday, for a few hours. Quiz and motivate each other to make the learning process more stimulating and fun.
A high MCAT score will help you on your way to a good medical school. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be one step closer to your dream career.